2023 Honda WR-V debuts with 1.5L engine, Sensing

The subcompact crossover segment just got a lot more interesting.

Honda Indonesia has officially unveiled the 2023 WR-V and has blown off all the expectations prior to its launch in a good way. From its powertrain, styling, and advanced safety features, Honda is pulling out all the stops to get the W in its class.

Unlike the initial impressions that the WR-V may have been based on the Brio, the all-new model is actually underpinned by the same platform used by the BR-V. For all intents and purposes, the all-new WR-V is essentially a 5-seater version of the BR-V.

Measuring 4060mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1608mm high with a 2485mm wheelbase, the WR-V is indeed on the same level size-wise as the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic. With the ASEAN market leaning towards high-riding vehicles, the WR-V does not disappoint as it has 220mm of ground clearance.

Honda Indonesia is initially offering the all-new WR-V in three variants: the E, RS, and RS with Honda Sensing. Yes. You read that right, Honda has a WR-V variant Honda Sensing advanced driving assist system, something that its rivals do not have in its segment, but more on that later.

From the outside, the all-new WR-V has indeed traces of the SUV RS Concept revealed in the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. However, as was shown in the leaked photos, the production version swaps out its frameless grille with a more conventional chrome-studded ones. Like the BR-V, it has a four-element design that consists of similarly shaped upper and lower grilles, LED headlights, and side faux intakes that house the LED foglamps.

For its side profile, the all-new WR-V shares some design cues with its bigger 5-seater brother, the HR-V. Its door handles are also tucked in the C-pillars, making the WR-V look like a three-door crossover. The rear end however is more similar to the BR-V with its inverted L-shaped taillights. Lastly, the E variant gets 16-inch wheels, while the RS gets bigger 17-inch alloys.

Inside, the all-new WR-V gets the same dashboard layout as the BR-V with its central A/C vents reminiscent of the current-generation CR-V we have locally. There's a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a backup camera with a multi-angle view as standard. The base E gets digital air conditioning, while the RS has auto climate control. In addition, the E has fabric seats, while the RS gets leather seats with red accent stitching. Meanwhile, regardless of variant choice, the all-new WR-V boasts an impressive 380 liters of trunk space.

Interestingly, Honda ruled out the Brio's powerplant for the all-new WR-V and fitted the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC with 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque across all variants, making it the most powerful in its segment so far. Depending on the market, the all-new WR-V may have a six-speed manual transmission option to go along with its standard CVT.

In terms of its safety features, the all-new WR-V comes standard with ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, and Vehicle Stability Assist across the variant range. The entry-level E variant gets 4 airbags, while the RS gets an additional two. As mentioned earlier, the top-spec RS gets the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, giving the all-new WR-V features such as Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with low speed follow, and Forward Collision Warning among others.

Honda Indonesia is offering the all-new WR-V for Rp 271,900,000 (PHP 1.015-million) for the E variant, while the top-spec RS CVT with Honda Sensing sells for Rp 309,900,000 (PHP 1.16-million). If Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) brings in the all-new WR-V, the crossover should slot in between the City RS and the base HR-V S in terms of pricing.

As of now, HCPI has yet to make announcements regarding the all-new WR-V since they are still gearing up to officially launch the all-new BR-V in the country. But should HCPI pull the trigger, do you think the WR-V will sell like hotcakes here? Let us know in the comments.